Archbold Hosts Free Head and Neck Cancer Screenings

Monday, April 22, 2013

According to the National Cancer Institute, it’s estimated that each year more than 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer—cancers specifically in the throat, mouth, lips, nose, sinuses, neck, esophagus, larynx and trachea.

Experts say cancers of the oral cavity usually take many years to develop, so they are not commonly found in young people. In fact, most people diagnosed with these cancers are older than 55 when the cancer is first found.

But studies suggest those at highest risk are heavy tobacco and alcohol users who, according to the American Cancer Society, are 100 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease compared to people without history of smoking or chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol.

However, many pre-cancers and cancers of the oral cavity and neck can be found early and at their most treatable stages during routine screening exams by a dentist or doctor.

April is National Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. To elevate awareness of the disease, Archbold’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center will host a head and neck cancer screening event on Friday, April 26, from 3pm until 5pm.

Archbold physicians will examine the mouth, throat and neck to check for head and neck cancers, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, skin, salivary and thyroid glands. The screening and results are provided at no cost to participants as a clinical outreach effort supporting Archbold’s Core Value of Community Benefit.

Screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis. For more information, please call the Singletary Oncology Center at 229-584-5400.